Matthew 19
:11

Matthew 19 :11
Translations

King James Version (KJV)

But he said to them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

American King James Version (AKJV)

But he said to them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

American Standard Version (ASV)

But he said unto them, Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

But he said to them, Not all men are able to take in this saying, but only those to whom it is given.

Webster's Revision

But he said to them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

World English Bible

But he said to them, "Not all men can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given.

English Revised Version (ERV)

But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, but they to whom it is given.

Definitions for Matthew 19
:11

Save - Except; besides.

Clarke's Commentary
on Matthew 19 :11

All - cannot receive this saying - A very wise answer, and well suited to the present circumstances of the disciples. Neither of the states is condemned. If thou marry, thou dost well - this is according to the order, will, and commandment of God. But if thou do not marry, (because of the present necessity, persecution, worldly embarrassments, or bodily infirmity), thou dost better. See 1 Corinthians 7:25.

Barnes' Commentary
on Matthew 19 :11

All men cannot receive this saying - The minds of people are not prepared for this. This saying evidently means what the disciples had just said that it was good for a man not to marry. It might be good in certain circumstances - in times of persecution and trial, or for the sake of laboring in the cause of religion without the care and burden of a family. It might be good for many to live, as some of the apostles did, without marriage, but it was not given to all people, 1 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Corinthians 7:7,1 Corinthians 7:9. To be married, or unmarried, might be lawful, according to circumstances, 1 Corinthians 7:26.

Wesley's Commentary
on Matthew 19 :11

19:11 But he said to them - This is not universally true; it does not hold, with regard to all men, but with regard to those only to whom is given this excellent gift of God. Now this is given to three sorts of persons to some by natural constitution, without their choice: to others by violence, against their choice; and to others by grace with their choice: who steadily withstand their natural inclinations, that they may wait upon God without distraction.